CBI seeks cancellation of Abhay Chautala’s bail in DA case

New Delhi: CBI sought cancellation of bail granted by a Delhi court to INLD chief O P Chautala’s son Abhay, accused in a disproportionate assets case, for going to attend the Rio Olympics without its permission.

Seeking court’s direction to Abhay Chautala to surrender in the case, CBI said he was no longer the President of Indian Olympic Association and there was “no public interest” in his visit to Brazil to attend the Olympics. Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Kumar Gupta argued that it was not necessary for the court to mention in the bail order that the accused is required to take its permission before leaving the country.

“If it is not mentioned in the court order, does this mean that the accused can tamper with evidence? Similarly, it is implied that the accused has to seek court’s permission before going abroad,” he submitted. On hearing the arguments, Special CBI Judge Sanjay Garg-I, reserved the order for August 22 on the issue.

The court had earlier sought CBI’s reply after Abhay’s counsel sought exemption from personal appearance of the politician on the ground that he has gone to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics. The court had also wondered how the politician had left the country without its permission. The defence counsel had said that Abhay, being a sports administrator and ex-President of Indian Olympic Association, has gone to attend the Olympics from August 2 to 25.

He had also said there was no specific condition imposed by the court in the bail order regarding seeking its permission to go abroad. The court also heard arguments on a plea by CBI seeking to place on record some additional documents in the case, which was opposed by the defence counsel. The court also reserved its order on the application for August 22.

CBI had lodged a case of disproportionate assets against INLD chief and former Haryana Chief Minister O P Chautala and his sons Ajay and Abhay on a complaint of Congress leader Shamsher Singh Surjewala. PTI

Highlights

CBI had lodged a case of disproportionate assets against INLD chief and former Haryana Chief Minister.

The defence counsel said that Abhay has gone to attend the Olympics till August 25.